SOUTHPORT CENTRAL V. ASTLEY BRIDGE

Liverpool Mercury – 10/12/1888

At the Southport Sports Ground, before about 800 spectators. Neither side showed to advantage, and the match was the least pleasant played here this season. The Central had the advantage all through, but their shooting at goal was so wild that, with many chances, they only scored twice, while their opponents, who relied more on force than on science, never scored anything.

SOUTHPORT CENTRAL v ASTLEY BRIDGE

Lancashire Evening Post 8th December 1888

At Southport, before 500 spectators. Central kicked off, and at once began to press, but their shooting in front of goal was exceedingly wild. Play was chiefly confined to the visitors quarters, and ultimately from a corner kick by Mullen the first point was registered for the home team. The score at half time was-Central one goal, Astley Bridge nil. On restarting, Duncan shot a second goal for the Central.

Result-CENTRAL 2, ASTLEY BRIDGE 0.

Southport Visiter, 15th December 1888

Last Saturday the Central received a visit from Astley Bridge, and a very large number of spectators attended the Sports Ground to witness the contest. As usual, the game was not started until after half-past three and the result was that half of the play was in darkness, and towards the conclusion of the match the opponents themselves had the greatest difficulty in seeing the ball. The result of the late commencement, I am given to understand, is that the train from Blackburn, which to L. and Y. promised to run to suit the footballers has not yet been put on. However, after Christmaa is over, the train will be ran, and then the spectators will bare the opportunity of seeing the matches concluded in daylight. The game on Saturday was not of a very scientific nature, as the Central forwards lacked their usual judgment in front of goal, and the consequence was their majority was not a very large one. The visiting team at times showed some capital long passing, but the home club had always the best of the play, and eventually won by two goals to nil, a total that would have been materially increased had it not been for the masterly exhibition the Astley goalkeeper gave between the sticks. The fact that the Central is fast becoming recognised as one of the leading clubs is now apparent from the fact that all the football journals are continually making remarks concerning the brilliant victories they are recording. Another instance may be quoted. At the commencement of the season the Central secretary wrote to the Lytham secretary for a couple of dates. The reply came back this they had no dates vacant. Last week, however, Mr. Ramsbottom received a communication from the Lytham secretary begging that the Central would arrange a match. The reply sent back was “we will play you if we can get no better engagement”. Bravo, “even timer”, you treated them as they deserved.

CENTRAL v ASTLEY BRIDGE

Southport Visiter, 11th December 1888

These clubs met on the Sports Ground on Saturday last before about 800 spectators. Owing to the late arrival of the visiting team a start was not effected until 3:30, and the consequence was that part of the latter half had to be played in the dark. The Central captain lost the toss, and the visiters’ captain decided to defend the railway goal. Taylor commenced operations, and the home team forwards were soon bust at the Bridge end, but their efforts for a sin were neutralised by the good back play of Eastwood and Dean. A brief visited was then paid to the Central quarters, but Ingram was on the alert, and repelled the onslaught in fine style. The visiters, not to be denied, passed well, and Aitken almost let them in through missing his kick. Shaw, however, came to the rescue, and sent the ball to Halton, who had a grand opportunity, but he seemed to be too anxious to get rid of the ball and passed to Mullin, who was surrounded by his opponents. The visiters then made a determined rush Leeming and Gaskell being conspicuous, but Shaw robbed them, and passed to Ackroyd, who made a capital run, finishing up with shot which caused Knowles to use his hands. Immediately afterwards Halton put the ball behind. From the goal kick Duncan got possession, and, after a dodgy ran, passed to Graham. That player sent in a shot, and Halton being well up, headed a grand goal. After the kick-off, Horton and Lea-Jones were seen to advantage, both players being frequently cheered for their tricky play. The ball from this point up to the conclusion of the first half was mostly in the vicinity of the visiters’ goal, but the shooting of the home team was far from up to the usual standard. Mullin, Duncan, Graham, and Ackroyd, however, all sent in shots which were repelled in grand style by Knowles, and when the whistle sounded the Central were a goal to the good. After the re-commencement, Horton was again conspicuous, and Ackroyd did vast amount of valuable work. After series of passes between Lea-Jones and Mullin, the last named player gave the sphere to Duncan, who threaded his way through the ruck of his opponents, and sent in a grand shot, which the visiting custodian failed to negotiate. When the ball had again been started the home team, so far as their passing was concerned, showed up exceedingly well, but when in front of the goal their shooting was very deficient, and, instead of chronicling a victory of two goals to nil, the score should have been trebled. A word of praise is due to the visiting goalkeeper, who repelled several shots that were sent in in a masterly manner, and his side have to thank him that they escaped a crushing defeat. Of the home team Ingram had little or nothing to do. Shaw defended exceedingly well, but Aitken did not show up like he did at Stanley. Halton, on the right wing, was at times seen to advantage, but he appeared to be very nervous and missed many chances that he might have availed himself off. The half-backs could not have played better, and the forwards, with the exception of their shooting, created a favourable impression. The following were the teams:-Central: Ingram, goal; Aitken and Shaw, backs; Lea-Jones, Ackroyd, and Horton, half-backs; Duncan, Graham, Taylor, Mullin and Halton, forwards. Astley Bridge: Knowles, goal; Eastwood and Dean, backs: Green, Entwistle, and Simpson, half-backs; Leeming, Gaskell, Hodgson, Mayoh, and Taylor, forwards. Umpires Mr. R.McGowan and Mr. G. Hodgson. Referee, Mr. W. Rimmer